Abduction attempt reported at MSU

September 12, 2013

Mississippi State University reported an attempted abduction late Wednesday night through its Maroon Alert messaging system.
At 11:39 p.m., the university sent the alert, warning students and alert subscribers of the possible abduction attempt near Sessums Hall, an all-female residence hall. The university later said that at approximately 11 p.m. MSUPD responded to a report from a female that said she was walking behind Sessums Hall when an unidentified black male â€” described only as wearing a grey shirt â€” reportedly jumped from between two cars and tried to grab her. The university said the victim called for help and a second male responded to help. The alleged abductor released the victim and fled toward Burger King.
Mississippi State police responded immediately to the call and secured the scene, then carried out a preliminary search for the perpetrator.
MSU Police Chief Georgia Lindley said the department continued investigating into the matter on
Thursday.
A university spokesman said Thursday morning that all students and personnel were present and accounted for, and that no injuries were reported due to the incident.
The Maroon Alert remained posted on the university websiteâ€™s main page and at emergency.msstate.edu, and the university operated under advisory conditions through the morning on Thursday.
University Relations Director Sid Salter said the university had options for anyone on campus to travel safely at night, but wasnâ€™t suggesting extra precautions in the aftermath of the reported incident.
â€śAll we have suggested is that if anyone feels unsafe or is concerned, to avail themselves to the Bully Patrol or other safe or escort options on campus,â€ť he said. â€śThe library has personnel for that daily. Students or staff that have any safety concerns can do that, but beyond that, this appears to be an isolated incident.â€ť
Salter declined to comment on what extra steps the university might take for security following the incident.
â€śWe feel better about just doing it and letting anybody whoâ€™s in the business of trying to harm people find out what our law enforcement is doing on the back end,â€ť he said.
He did say, however, that the university would continue to do everything possible to ensure the safety of everyone on campus.
â€śThe main thing is the safety of our students and faculty and staff,â€ť he said. â€śWe take that very seriously 24/7, 365.â€ť